Two Team Europe Players Could be Barred from Ryder Cup after Bethpage Black Win
Two Team Europe players could be barred from future Ryder Cups despite playing crucial roles in the famous victory at Bethpage Black.
Europe lifted the 45th Ryder Cup on Sunday, but only after a dramatic fightback from the Americans. Luke Donald's men went into the final day in New York with a commanding seven-point lead.
With no team in history having ever overturned more than four points, it was expected to be a formality. But the USA came storming back, with Ludvig Aberg the only European to win his match.
Shane Lowry, who had endured abuse from fans all weekend, held his nerve to secure a half point on the 18th green, which brought Europe to the total of 14 they required. Both Tyrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre also secured half points, ensuring Team Europe won 15-13.
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Which European players could be barred from the Ryder Cup?
Hatton and fellow European star Jon Rahm could still be barred from future Ryder Cups due to their links with LIV Golf.
The pair were only eligible this time after they launched an appeal against the disciplinary action of the DP World Tour. As the appeal process remains ongoing, they were able to compete in New York.
If they had not filed an appeal, neither would have been able to play at Bethpage Black. The timeline for a final decision on their appeal remains unclear.
Rahm said: "You know as much as I do. I have no idea. I have no clue.
"To be fair, I completely forgot about, which is a good thing. I hope I forget about it until it happens."
Who has been disciplined?
The dispute has already seen punishments brought against Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter. Garcia in particular was a huge figure within the European team.
He took part in 10 consecutive Ryder Cups from 1999 until 2021, winning 25 of his 45 matches during that period.
Rahm spoke about his countryman: "He’s a good friend of mine, he’s a Spanish player, and the moments we shared in Whistling Straits and Paris.
"Personally I’m always going to want him around. He did play good early on in the year, very, very good.
"He was playing incredible golf, maybe in some parts of the world that you weren’t watching. It seemed like from April on, he didn’t keep that level. So I don’t think he helped himself."
Both Hatton and Rahm were invaluable, playing together in both Friday and Saturday foursomes. In the opening session, they recovered from a difficult start to deliver the first point of this year's Ryder Cup.
Although there is uncertainty over their future involvement, they were instrumental in New York.
James Taylor